The "Pecking Order"

I am sure that you have heard the term "pecking order" before. It was originally coined to describe the hierarchy among chickens in the barnyard, but it applies to us and our birds as well.

In order to have a happy, healthy relationship with your bird, it is mandatory that you establish yourself as "top bird" of the flock. Taking the role of dominant "bird" in the house is not cruel - it is very necessary to your bird's well-being that they have certain limitations set for them. Dominant does not mean that you are yelling and doling out punishment, it simply means that you are the one in charge, not your bird. Achieving dominance involves a combination of voice, body language, actions, consistence, and several "tricks."

Most parrots are flock animals, and flocks have dominant and subordinate members by necessity. The dominant bird takes the highest perch in the tree, watches for danger, warns the flock if he sees something suspicious, chases away birds from other flocks, and remains "on duty" most of the time. It is an exhausting job under natural circumstances - no parrot should have to be "top bird" of a human household, yet many people unwittingly allow them to take this position.

Height, or Tallest Bird is Top Bird

Remember the part about the dominant bird in the flock sitting in the top of the tree, watching for predators and protecting his flock? By placing your bird at higher-than-your-eye-level, you are putting him in the dominant bird position, with all of the stress and responsibility that entails. It is amazing the number of aggressive behaviors that will disappear by simply lowering the bird and elevating the human! Lowering the bird to a more subordinate height is one of the "tricks" to keeping your "top bird" spot. Bear this in mind when considering cage placement, and when purchasing the large, tree-type playgyms., or those that mount on the cagetop. There are many of these that are over six feet tall, which means that most people will be below the eye level of the average bird when he is perched on the gym.

The eye level issue is another reason that you must take care when allowing your bird on your shoulder. This places them on an equal footing with you, since they are directly at your eye level on your shoulder.

Wing Clipping

This is a controversial subject, and while I am personally very much in favor of wing-clipping for safety's sake, this section will deal only with wing clipping to establish dominance. A bird with a proper wing clip, that is, where the flight feathers have been clipped to the point where the bird cannot gain altitude in flight, but can glide to the ground rather than falling like a little feathered brick, will find itself more reliant on it's human for a "ride." This works to reinforce the human/bird bond because of the increased time each is in contact with the other. Also, birds, being "only human," will tend to take the path of least resistance. Why learn to step up on a finger if you can just fly away?

The "UP" Command

Teaching your bird to step "UP" on your finger when requested may be the most important lesson you ever teach him. A bird who will step up on your finger on command, without even thinking about it, is always controllable, even under emergency situations.

Providing your bird is reasonably tame, and not terrified of you, and will willingly allow you to have your hands in his presence, it is fairly simple to teach him to step "UP." Extend your index finger so it forms a nice, stable perch, and place it against your bird's legs where they meet his body. Say "UP" in a firm, clear voice, while simultaneously pushing back against his legs. He will either hop over your finger, step up onto your finger, or fall over backward! Most birds will do one of the first two. When he successfully steps "UP," tell him what a good boy he is - and it may be time for a special yummy, too. Once he gets the hang of it, turn "UP" into a game - you can have him climb the "finger ladder to the stars."

The most important lesson for the "UP" command is for you, not your bird. ALWAYS use the command when asking him to step up. Even if he willingly climbs on your finger whenever he sees it, regardless of whether you instruct him to, you should always use the "UP" command. To do otherwise is allowing him to make the decision, thus eroding your "top bird" status. It is up to you to set limits for him. Don't get lazy.

The second most important lesson surrounding the "UP" command is also for you. Always try to end the sessions on a positive note. If your bird simply does not want to step up today, make sure he does at least once, then reward him, tell him he is a good boy, and end the lesson. Do not allow him to believe that all he has to do is misbehave and ignore you in order to get his way! This is negative reinforcement and is very hard to overcome.

Even if you teach your bird nothing but the "UP" command, you will have a much happier, healthier relationship with him. I use the "UP" command to re-establish control over my cockatiel all the time. Whenever he gets just a little too big for his britches, he has to step "UP" for me. I can take him from being so overloaded that anyone who comes near him will be perforated to completely calm with just a few ups!

Your Attitude

This may be one of the most important categories to co-existing successfully with your bird. Birds are some of the most empathetic creatures I have ever seen. They are both your emotional barometer and your emotional mirror, and can sense things like fear, sadness, and very importantly, hesitance, very accurately. It is this aspect of their makeup that I like best, because my birds force me to be a calmer, more even person. No matter how hectic or frustrating work is, how awful traffic was, or how idiotic I may think upper management was that day, I know that I must erase that hyper, stressed out part of me before I walk through the front door, or the birds will react badly.

Before working with your bird, take a few moments to just sit down and decompress. Take a few deep breaths, and bring your energy level down a few notches. Hyperactivity is one of the reasons a lot of birds react badly to children. Thousands of years of evolution as a prey animal is telling them that sudden moves = danger.

Do not be hesitant when interacting with your bird. I can't tell you the number of times people ask if they can hold one of mine, then extend a curled up, quaking index finger that they snatch away as soon as the bird leans toward them! I always try to explain that this is like having the company prankster yank your chair out from under you when you are being seated! Use a firm voice - you don't have to yell, but be clear and strong. If you don't sound like you are in charge, why should your bird assume you are in charge? Heck, maybe this means HE is in charge!

If you want him to do something, give him the command. This means that he only is allowed on your shoulder when you ask him to sit on your shoulder - it is your choice, not his. Most cockatiels can safely spend time on a shoulder without exhibiting dominance behavior, but some cannot. You need to judge each bird individually, and adjust your actions to them accordingly.

I view my birds as children, and they ARE children in many ways. They need someone to set limits for them, to care for them, to tell them when something is right and when it is wrong, to protect them from danger, and most importantly, to love them. Understanding that love and being in charge can co-exist is the first step to being Top Bird.